Greece › Santorini › Ammoudi Bay
By Santorini Dave • dave@santorinidave.com
See Also
- Best Hotels in Santorini
- Where to Stay in Santorini
- Best Things to Do in Santorini
- Best Wineries and Wine Tours in Santorini
- Best Restaurants in Santorini
- Santorini Travel Guide
Beautiful Ammoudi Bay just below Oia in Santorini.
Ammoudi Bay
Ammoudi Bay is the beautiful, tiny port nestled at the bottom of the red cliffs directly below Oia, Santorini. It is one of the most picturesque spots on the island and famous for three things: seafood restaurants, boat tours, and cliff jumping.
Seafood Tavernas: The bay is lined with several fantastic seafood restaurants where your table is set right at the water’s edge. This is one of the best places on the island for fresh, grilled fish.
Boat Tours: Ammoudi is a main departure point for caldera boat tours. Catamarans and charter boats leave from here all day for volcano trips, sunset cruises, and swimming excursions at the hot springs and beaches.
Swimming and Cliff Jumping: For one of the best swimming spots on Santorini, walk past the last restaurant on the left (as you’re looking at the water) and follow the dirt path for about five minutes as it winds around the cliffside. This will lead you to a popular swimming area with deep, clear water and a view back toward the caldera cliffs. From here, you can swim out to the small island of St. Nicholas for great cliff jumping from the ledge.
Ammoudi Bay Restaurants
They are all fantastic and offer fresh seafood right on the water.
• Ammoudi Fish Tavern – This is a classic choice, known for its fresh fish and traditional Greek dishes.
• Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna – Open since 1989, this is a local favorite. They have a great selection of seafood, and their lobster spaghetti is a must.
• Sunset by Paraskevas – Famous for their sun-dried octopus, which you’ll see hanging at the entrance.
• Basalt Restaurant – A modern take on a traditional taverna, Basalt offers a more sophisticated dining experience than the other Ammoudi Bay restaurants. They have a great selection of fresh seafood and an extensive wine list.
Accessing Ammoudi Bay
There are two options to reach the bay. A steep but walkable staircase (280 steps) from just below the castle in Oia leads down to the bay if you’re up for it. Each step is wide, and the surfaces uneven at times. If you’re heading out to a romantic dinner in fancy shoes or spending the day in flip flops, this walk probably isn’t for you. Like the Fira to Oia hiking trail, it’ll help to have on appropriate shoes.
The other way is to take a taxi that can be arranged at your hotel or by your restaurant for the return. The fixed priced for a taxi between Oia and Amoudi is 10€. Another option is to walk one direction and drive the other. Ammoudi Bay restaurant waiters are happy to call taxis for their dining guests after a meal.
Watching the boats come and go is fun while dining along the water.
Ammoudi Bay Information
- Location: Oia, Santorini
- Hours: Ammoudi Bay restaurants are open during lunch and dinner hours.
- Parking: No parking
- Bus: None.
- Dining: A handful of great waterfront restaurants to choose from:
• Ammoudi Fish Tavern
• Sunset Restaurant
• Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna
• Basalt
Ammoudi Bay Photos
Fresh seafood in Ammoudi Bay.
Ammoudi has several very good restaurants right on the water’s edge.
Ammoudi Bay is where many caldera boat tours depart.
The view of Oia and Ammoudi Bay from a boat tour.
A steep 278 stairs descend from Oia to Ammoudi Bay. The stairs are wide but uneven. The bay is also accessible by vehicle.
Fanari Villas in Oia, above Ammoudi Bay.
Oia Castle Hotel above Ammoudi Bay.
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